Are you a diehard PC gaming enthusiast who sometimes yearns for the comfort and flexibility that mobile gaming can offer? Then, look no further. In this blog, we’ll guide you meticulously through the process, enabling you to experience PC games on your Android gadget. We all love to play Android games on an Android phone or tab. Imagine your much-loved PC games, all playable on your Android gadget. Sounds incredible, right?
Buckle up as we journey through the realm of playing PC games on Android, bringing the best of both worlds to your fingertips. We’ll cover old-school games, the use of emulators, and the wonders of game streaming. We’ll also delve into a specific game streaming service called Parsec and how you can set it up.
Old PC Games You Can Play on Android
Gone are the days when playing PC games on your Android device was a wishful dream. With significant technological advances, some old PC games have made their way to the Android platform.
One of the benefits of playing these old games on Android apps is that they have been optimized for touch controls. You won’t have to lug around a controller or struggle with awkward on-screen buttons.
Like any other mobile device game, you can tap and swipe through these classic titles and play mobile games. The convenience and portability offered by smartphones have given these old favorites a new lease on life. Let’s explore the classic PC games now available to play on Android and take a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
- NetHack: Born in the late 1980s, NetHack was one of the 1st open-source games ever released, pioneering the way for the wealth of indie games we see today. Each playthrough in this intricate dungeon crawler is unique thanks to its procedurally generated levels.
- 1942 Mobile: This classic arcade game is a pleasant experience, presenting players with fast-paced top-down shooting action. This Capcom game, 1942 Mobile, brings the nostalgic charm of the original, offering intense aerial combat against hordes of enemy fighters.
- Ghosts ‘N Goblins Mobile: It is a highly recognizable game with a well-known reputation in the gaming world. This classic platformer requires players to face numerous enemies to save a princess. The game’s old-school visuals and challenging difficulty have led to its popularity among a niche community of gamers.
- Blazing Star: This is a 2D side-scrolling shooter that offers a potent dose of nostalgia with its colorful sprites and engaging gameplay. Fans of the shoot ’em up genre will find much to love in Blazing Star, with its numerous playable ships, diverse enemy types, and frantic boss battles.
- Karateka Classic: A trailblazer in the realm of martial arts games. Karateka was among the initial kung-fu genre game when it first arrived, mixing cinematic storytelling with action-packed gameplay. Its simple but satisfying combat system and dramatic plot make it a timeless classic worth revisiting on your Android device.
Play PC Games on Android Devices Using ‘Emulator.’
Emulators are often considered tools that allow Android software to be run on a PC. Interestingly, you can also use the function in reverse, enabling users to play various PC games directly on their Android devices. For gamers looking to dive into a realm of PC games using their mobile phones, such emulators can be an ideal choice.
They offer convenience and broaden the scope of gaming experiences on mobile devices. Widely recognized and utilized globally for various applications, these platforms stand out due to their authenticity and reliability.
DOSBox
DOSBox is often hailed as an excellent tool that enables Android devices to play various PC games on a more portable platform.
Step 1: Download and install DOSBox Turbo by Fishstix from the Google PlayStore. While this app is not free, there are some platforms offering free DOSBox ports. However, these free ports might not be as reliable or efficient.
Step 2: After installing DOSBox Turbo, proceed to install DOSBox Manager, a competent game manager.
Step 3: You’ll need to download some DOS games online. Be sure to choose games that are compatible with DOSBox Turbo. This step might require some knowledge of DOS-compatible games.
Step 4: Connect your Android phone to a computer, access the root of its SD Card, and create a new folder named “Dos”. Next, move all the downloaded game files into this new folder.
Step 6: Under “DOSBox Settings”, adjust the ‘Memory Size’ to a value that suits your device.
Step 9: Now you’re ready to play! Access the newly created profile on DOSBox Manager and enjoy your favorite DOS games on your Android device.
TeamViewer
While DOSBox offers a solid platform for enjoying PC games to Android, this alternative tool provides an efficient and versatile solution for this purpose: TeamViewer. This application allows you to perform a variety of tasks, including playing PC games.
Step 1: Download and install TeamViewer on your desktop computer and Android phone.
Step 2: Once installed, open the application on both devices. You’ll see a new ID and PW displayed on your desktop screen.
Step 3: On your Android device, enter the account ID you see on your desktop into the “Partner ID” field within the TeamViewer app, then tap on “Remote Control.”
Game Streaming: New Way of Streaming PC Games on Android
Emulators and direct ports are great, but what if you want to play more modern PC games on your Android device? That’s where game streaming comes in. This lets you stream PC games on your Android device over your local network or the internet.
Moonlight
To use Moonlight, you must ensure your PC has the most recent application version called Nvidia GeForce Experience. Open this application and navigate to the “Shield Tab” through the “Settings” cog, then activate the ‘GameStream’ toggle. Next, get Moonlight onto your Android device. After launching the app, you’ll see a list of GameStream PCs enabled. Simply select the PC you wish to connect with and select “Add Host.” Input the PIN given by Moonlight to set up a connection.
Remotr
Like Moonlight, Remotr is a game streaming app that allows you to play your PC games on your Android device. What sets Remotr apart is that it’s not limited to Nvidia graphics cards – it works with any GPU that supports DirectX. This makes it a more versatile option if your PC doesn’t have a Nvidia graphics card.
How to Set Up and Play PC Games on Android Devices Using Parsec
While Moonlight and Remotr are good game streaming options, another service is rapidly gaining popularity: Parsec. Let’s now see how we can set up Parsec to play PC games on Android. It may sound complex but don’t worry. We will guide you through the process in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Grab an Android-Compatible Gamepad
To get the best experience while playing PC games on your Android device using Parsec, it’s recommended to use an Android-compatible gamepad. While Parsec supports touch controls, a gamepad will provide a more familiar and precise control scheme. You can use anything from a PlayStation 4 controller to specialized Android gamepads.
Step 2: Configure Your Network
Next, you need to ensure your network is configured correctly. Parsec requires a high-speed, stable internet connection for smooth gameplay. If you plan on playing over Wi-Fi, ensure you’re connected to a 5 GHz network to minimize latency.
Step 3: Create a Parsec Account
Now, it’s time to create a Parsec account. Go to the Parsec website, click the ‘Sign Up’ button, and follow the prompts. Remember to verify your email address to activate your account entirely.
Step 4: Set Up Parsec on Android
Once you have a Parsec account, download the Parsec app from the Google Play Store and sign in. You can then link your Android device to your PC by entering the code provided in the Parsec app on your PC.
Step 4: Configure Parsec for Gaming
After linking your device, you’ll need to configure Parsec for gaming. This involves adjusting the resolution and bitrate to match your device’s capabilities and your network’s bandwidth. You may need to experiment to find the best settings for your specific setup.
Step 5: How to Play PC Games on Android With Parsec
Once everything is set up, playing a PC game on your Android device is as simple as launching the Parsec app, selecting your PC, and launching a game. If everything is configured correctly, you should be able to enjoy your PC games with minimal latency and excellent image quality, all from the comfort of your Android device.
Alternatives to Parsec
While Parsec is a fantastic tool, it’s not the only option to play Android games. In addition to the aforementioned Moonlight and Remotr, other options include the Steam Link app, which allows you to stream games from your Steam library, and Nvidia’s GeForce Now, a cloud-based service that doesn’t require owning a PC.
How to Play PC Game on Android: Final Word
Playing PC games on an Android device may have seemed like a pipe dream just a few years ago, but thanks to advancements in technology and the emergence of services like Parsec, it’s now a reality. Whether you want to relive classic games from childhood or enjoy the latest blockbuster titles, there’s a solution. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at how enjoyable playing PC games on Android can be.
